Monday, October 13, 2014

Fall into Romance Event with Robin Bielman

USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and one crazy-cute dog who loves to chew on socks. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, eat cupcakes, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

Happy Fall everyone! I’m so happy to be here to celebrate the fall season and romance. Huge thanks to Dani for teaming up with Bliss and inviting us to this wonderful spot on the Web!

I love fall. As much as I love the warm summers in Southern California, I do enjoy the cooler temperatures and getting to dress in sweaters and my Ugg boots and drinking warm beverages and eating pretty much anything with pumpkin in it.

One of my very favorite memories of fall, though, is from almost four years ago when my younger son and I walked into a pet store and fell in love with a puppy. I’m allergic to dogs, but this little guy was said to be hypoallergenic, so we huddled with him in a small room and played. Well, it only took about two seconds to know that the white, mini Labradoodle was not only the cutest puppy on the planet, but playful and friendly and lovable. It took several more seconds of petting and holding and crossing fingers to discover that I was a-ok with the tiny ball of fur and there was no way we were going home without him.

(Puppy Harry playing in the grass with a fall leaf.)

Falling in love hadn’t been on the shopping list that day, but sometimes the very best things are those that aren’t planned.

I had never had an inside dog before so it was big learning curve, but so fun and wonderful and yes, a little tiring at the beginning. We named him Harry, after one of my favorite fictional characters, Harry Dresden. He’s the best pal, always sitting under my chair at my feet when I write, cuddling with me on the couch when I watch TV, and greeting me at the front door when I get home from the day job. I never really understood what people meant when they said their dog was part of the family. Until now. I tell stories about him just like I do my sons! And he’s always, always there, with a tail wag, a kiss, a playful bark. Our little Harry makes every day a little brighter and every day I love him a little bit more.

(Harry at my favorite place—the beach—this past summer.)

A temporary agreement neither could keep…

Brainy, organized Sophie Birch is no beach bunny. In fact, she’s totally out of her element among the sun-bronzed crowd at a film festival in beautiful White Strand Cove. When a surf lesson introduces her to Zane Hollander, suddenly she's up close and personal with the world's sexiest surf star. But what can a great-looking, experienced athlete possibly see in a klutzy out-of-towner who’s never set foot in the ocean?

Zane Hollander's playboy reputation has never been a problem…until recently. Now his management team wants him on his best behavior to entice a meaningful new sponsor. Sophie Birch is the perfect girl to help reform his image. She's genuine and respected—and their relationship is purely fictional. But the more Sophie blooms under the beachy sun, the more Zane knows he'll just break her heart. Because nothing's more important to Zane than following the tide.

I have never had a dog but yours is adorable. My mom and now my hubby don't like dogs so I have never had the pleasure. My best friend has a peekapoo that is jet back and I just adore her and she just LOVES to see me. It's so cute how excited she gets!

I love your books Robin! I also loved your story about Harry. Our dogs have always been like our kids to us, so I totally understand what you are talking about. I would totally be lost without mine. Thanks for the giveaway!

Hi Robin! Love your cute little dog--aren't dogs the best?!? I have a Golden Retriever named Belle that everyone in my entire neighborhood just loves. She's an older dog who is wonderful with my 13 yr old son, who is autistic. We never really intended her to be a therapy dog, but she seems to have turned out to be one.Anyway, congrats on the new release--I can't wait to get the chance to read it!

Hi Glenda! Thank you so much! :) You're so right about pets lifting your spirits. (And LOL at Bob!) If I'm having a bad day, I plop down on the floor and it takes Harry all of two seconds to make me feel better.